The Maybach HL 42 is a six cylinder, in-line, water-cooled engine that delivered 100hp. Displacing 4.2 litres, the engine produced it top power at 3,000 rpm, so it was not a high winding engine at all. It had a compression ratio of 6.6 to 1 and had a single barrel Solex carburetor. The low compression is undoubtedly to allow the engine to handle the low octane fuels that were found in Europe. The TRKMS engine was used to power a variety of vehicles, including the SdKfz 250, SdKfz 251 and SdKfz 11 as well as several other vehicles. This one, however, is designed for the sWS half-track.

As some of you are aware, the Great Wall 1/35 sWS half-track kit doesn't always include an engine. To help alleviate what is a rather large opening in the front of the kit, Great Wall has released a kit of this engine along with the engine mounts and transmission with drive shaft to be added by those who wish to do so. The GWH engine is superbly molded and comes complete with engine accessories and fan driven radiator. A tiny etched set is used for some plumbing fixtures and the data plate. No decals are provided and the construction and painting instructions are on the back of the box. Gunze paint references are provided and indicate that the engine is basically Steel with silver trim.

In all, a worthwhile addition to your sWS kit and not at all expensive

July 2011

Review copy courtesy of www.dragonmodelsusa.com . Ask for them at your favorite hobby shop or on-line store.

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